SONNY DELIGHT Superstar has all the time in world for fans
SONNY BILL WILLIAMS has revealed why he will never turn away a child who wants a bit of his time.
The dual code superstar is in huge demand wherever he goes with Super League newcomers Toronto Wolfpack.
His determination to satisfy every fan’s selfie request can take up to 30 minutes after games and has surprised some of his team-mates.
Williams said it was his childhood experience that makes him keen to be a role model.
He said: “I still remember Eroni Clarke, an All Black, coming to our school when I was eight.
“He was an awesome, energetic loving guy and if I can affect a few kids in that way then so be it.
“As sportsmen we have got to understand that we are more than just rugby players, or people kids look up to.
“There is a responsibility on us to walk into their space and captivate those kids and see how they can aspire to be rugby players and aspire to be good people as well.”
Team-mate Jon Wilkin admits that having arguably the world’s biggest rugby star in their team is rubbing off on everyone.
He said: “Everyone wants
apiece of him and wants to speak to him. It’s a difficult thing to do when you do not want to speak but still conduct yourself how he does.
“His experience is so different to ours. But he has taught the guys in our squad and our game a lot about how to behave when people want your time.”
Williams, whose fourth child was born this month, is slowly finding his feet back in rugby league after five years in union.
He is believed to be earning £5m for his two-year deal with Toronto, who have lost all four games in Super League.
Their performances have been improving every week and they pushed Warrington close at the weekend before losing 32-22.
It was a close shave that Wolves’ star signing Gareth Widdop says sums up his side’s inconsistencies.
Warrington performed really well against St Helens and Wigan but went down with a whimper at Wakefield and almost blew it against Toronto.
He said: “It comes down to attitude. Wigan and Saints are huge games but then we have a shift in attitude.
“You cannot afford to do that or you will get hurt. We will review the Toronto game and move on.” (inset)